Brighton queer alt-pop duo COWZ are back with ‘Miss Antoinette’, a razor-sharp anthem taking aim at nepotism, class privilege and the frustrating reality of trying to build a creative career when the odds are stacked against you.
Built on huge synths, distorted bass and irresistibly catchy hooks, ‘Miss Antoinette’ balances righteous anger with pop perfection. The song was inspired by the band’s own experiences navigating an arts world where, as Tasha puts it,
“The arts are full of rich people; not because their art is better, but because they’re benefitted by a system that allows them to buy exposure.”
It’s a topic that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough. The music industry loves to sell the idea of meritocracy, but as COWZ point out, some artists start the race several laps ahead. With lyrics that poke fun at privilege while exposing the barriers faced by ordinary working artists, ‘Miss Antoinette’ feels both timely and painfully relatable.
This one strikes a chord here at LOUD WOMEN HQ. We’re more interested in artists who are building scenes than building personal brands. While parts of the music industry seem increasingly occupied by professional gatekeepers congratulating each other on discovering artists who arrived with every possible advantage already in place, COWZ are speaking for everyone who’s had to fight for every opportunity they’ve earned.
Musically, the band describe the track as “a big anthem with a melancholic undertone”, and that’s exactly what they’ve delivered. Beneath the sharp satire and social commentary lies a genuine sense of frustration at a system that too often mistakes privilege for talent.
We’re particularly fond of COWZ here at LOUD WOMEN. We had hoped to be hosting them in Brighton this weekend before the event was sadly cancelled following the death of the organiser’s beloved cat. RIP cat. Viva COWZ. We very much hope to get them back on a LOUD WOMEN stage soon.
Until then, ‘Miss Antoinette’ is a timely reminder that authenticity, community and great songs will always matter more than money.
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